Confluence
The Vibe
Lyon's bold future — deconstructivist museums, housing designed by Nouvel and Perrault, the literal meeting point of two great rivers, and an eco-urbanism ambition that makes the rest of Europe's regeneration projects look timid
Description
Confluence occupies the pointed southern tip of the Presqu'île where the Rhône and Saône meet — historically an industrial wasteland of abattoirs and rail yards, now in progress. The Musée des Confluences (2014, Coop Himmelb(l)au) is the architectural centerpiece: a deconstructivist steel-and-glass crystal hovering above a concrete cloud, housing a permanent collection on natural history, societies, and civilizations that ranks among France's most compelling science museums. Jean Nouvel designed the iconic Îlot Bon Lait tower (the 'Sugar Cube') and the glazed orange Dock B pavilion. Architects from Dominique Perrault to Christian de Portzamparc contributed residential buildings, creating an architectural education in contemporary European design. A covered market (Le Marché de la Création, weekends) and riverfront promenades draw Lyonnais families. The neighborhood is deliberately eco-designed — passive heating, green roofs, energy-positive buildings — and offers views back toward the Fourvière hill from the very tip of the peninsula.
Neighborhood Stats
Popular With
- architecture-enthusiasts
- design-lovers
- families
- museum-goers
- couples
- urban-explorers
Key Attributes
- modern-architecture
- regeneration
- museum
- eco-design
- waterfront
- contemporary
- design
Food Scene
Le Mosnier (Cours Charlemagne) is the neighborhood's smart local bistro for market-driven Lyonnaise cooking. Ninkasi Confluence (the craft beer chain's flagship) draws design crowd for burgers and house-brewed pale ales. La Passerelle (riverside terrace, Cours Charlemagne) is the spot for aperitivo with Fourvière views. Le Bec-Fin (24 Quai Rambaud) offers bistro classics with river terraces. The Lyon Confluence shopping mall's food court includes outposts from the Halles' top producers.